South Yorkshire Police facing "significant demand" on dangerous dogs
The force recorded over a dozen reports of dangerous dogs in just 48 hours
South Yorkshire Police has said it received thirteen reports of dangerous dogs in the space of two days.
The force said that the increased number of reports of dangerous dogs have put added pressure on the force, amid the growing fear of dogs such as XL bullies in local communities.
Officers said that one reports made in regard to dangerous dogs included a man who suffered serious facial injuries following an attack.
The attack took place at 3:22pm on Thursday afternoon (November 14th) after a man had been bit by his dog in Sheffield.
When officers arrived on the scene, they found the man with serious cuts to his face, neck and head caused by the dog - believed to be an American Bulldog.
It is believed the owner had tried to step in and break up a fight between the American Bulldog and another animal, believed to be a pocket bully.
Another incident reported to police involved a woman fighting off her dog for her baby child's safety.
The woman had been walking along a road with a baby carrier on her chest when she was approached by an XL bully, who began to act aggressively towards her, jumping up to her baby.
Speaking on the force's ability to tackle XL bullies, Chief Inspector Emma Cheney from South Yorkshire Police said: "Recently we have sadly seen another fatal incident in the UK of a dog causing death.
"People think it won’t happen to them, that their dog won’t cause harm, but it can happen to anyone. Any dog can cause fear and harm and owners who do not step up and prevent harm to our communities will not be tolerated.
"You are responsible for your dog’s actions, and we continue to put people before the courts."